B.C. Green Party statement on Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs Announcement by Grand Chief Stewart Phillip

May 01, 2017

VICTORIA B.C. -- Today Andrew Weaver, Leader of the B.C. Green Party, and Adam Olsen, candidate for Saanich North and the Islands, responded to the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs press conference held earlier today.

“For decades, Grand Chief Stewart Phillip and the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs have been powerful and respected voices for Indigenous people,” said Weaver. “The B.C. Green Party is fully committed to working with Indigenous leaders to create a respectful relationship, based on true partnership and ongoing dialogue, regardless of the outcome of the election.”

“Christy Clark’s approach has been to divide and conquer, which has only further damaged the relationship between Indigenous people and the provincial government,” said Olsen. “This approach is unacceptable. We cannot continue down this path: it is time for a fundamental change in how the B.C. Government approaches its relationship with Indigenous people.”

The B.C. Green Party platform includes commitments to implement, in cooperation with the First Nation Leadership Council, the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, as well as adopting the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.